Chivu lauds Inter coaching staff for role in Zielinski stunner against Verona

Cristian Chivu says that all credit must go to his coaching staff for their role in Piotr Zielinski's goal of the season contender during Inter's 2-1 win over Verona. 

Zielinski's 16th-minute stunner was an inspired set-piece routine, with Hakan Calhanoglu's corner floated to the edge of the area for the midfielder to volley into the top corner.

But Verona hit back five minutes before the break through Giovane, with the spoils appearing set to be shared at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on Sunday. 

However, Inter snatched victory in the 93rd minute when Martin Frese deflected Nicolo Barella's cross into his own net to spark wild scenes on the Nerazzurri touchline. 

Indeed, across all competitions, Inter have now won nine of their last 10 matches this season (L1), as many as in their previous 20 matches in all competitions – excluding the Club World Cup.

And Zielinski's fabulous strike means he has now scored in 11 consecutive seasons in Serie A, a feat only achieved by Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini since 2015-16. 

His goal was inspired by Chivu's staff member Angelo Palombo, though the Inter boss revealed it was not something he was thrilled to introduce into his tactics. 

"I was against it," Chivu admitted. "If it had gone badly, they could have hit us with their speed on the counter-attack.

"But with the quality we have, it’s good to try these sorts of things. It's all thanks to Angelo, Filippo and the guys, who are committed to innovating techniques around set-pieces. 

"When you've got someone like Calhanoglu, who puts the ball where he wants, and someone like Zielinski, it's right to try it.

"Credit has to be given to Palombo and to all the staff who are committed to bringing something new."

What was better, the goal or the assist?
We just can't decide pic.twitter.com/5uAx1DlAPj

— Inter (@Inter_en) November 2, 2025

The result was a huge one for Chivu's side, who moved to within a point of leaders Napoli in the early race for the Scudetto. 

But their ability to have goals all over the pitch has been key. Inter are the only team to have had more than 10 different scorers (11) in the first 10 Serie A matchdays.

And they had the unfortunate Frese to thank, whose error was timed at 92 minutes and 59 seconds, the latest Inter have scored in Serie A this season. 

In games involving Inter in Serie A in 2025-26, there have been four own-goals, more than any other team. 

And despite the winning goal not being of the same quality as Zielinski's opener, Chivu celebrated wildly with a knee-slide onto the pitch.

"I ruined my suit, I've got a tracksuit on now, the sponsors are a bit angry," Chivu joked with DAZN after full-time. 

"These games are easier to lose than they are to win, so when you win like this you celebrate, recognising the fact that it could have gone badly."